Leaf templates - detail

The leaves. After a lot of deliberation, I decided to use the same reverse approach I did with the main and side decks. I would form the surface boards first and then work on a supporting framework. Beyond that, I thought developing the walnut outlines and center veins, then cutting the individual boards for the interior portions would be the simplest approach.

I started by redrawing my leaf shapes. My mockup had used rough sketches and cutouts. Since my deck is smaller in proportion to the original and this will be my first major scroll saw endeavor, I kept the center veins soft -- just enough to give a sense of movement without overly complicating matters. I drew lines from the center veins to make the final board detailing, darkening the boards that will be walnut. The pencil makes these very messy, so I will make photocopies to work with going forward.

I'm ready to cut the final deck boards. Hooray!